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From: sorrell@triton.unm.edu
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Birding spots around Albuquerque, NM?
Message-ID: <1991May27.230230.12362@ariel.unm.edu>
Date: 27 May 91 23:02:30 GMT
Article-I.D.: ariel.1991May27.230230.12362
Expires: June 30, 1991
Sender: Penny Orrell
Distribution: na
Organization: Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 28


In article 4244 Steve wants to know about birding in Albuquerque. 

Is he coming west for the first time?  Is he looking for particular 
species?  Tell us what, and we can tell you where to look.  
Do you need a number to call for advice when you get here?  July 
is probably the beginning of the least productive time for birding 
here, so you will have to work harder.

There is a vast range of microclimes between the Sandia Mtns in the
east (10,600 feet) and the Rio Grande Bosque in the west (4000 feet).  
The Rio Grande Nature Center is a wet habitat in the high desert, 
home of wood ducks and black phoebes.  Corrales and Bernalillo can 
show you Lewis' woodpecker and western flycatchers, though you might 
have to go to the Zunis for Hammonds flycatcher.  The South Valley has
Mississippi kites.  Burrowing owls and bank swallows as well as the
ubiquitous roadrunner and other urban species are found all over
town.  

You could spend a productive week right in and near the city,
before venturing to the Jemez, Sangre de Cristo, or Zuni Mountains
which are all within day trip distance.  Going south to the
Sacramentos or the Gila wilderness would take more time.

Mail me direct for answers to more specific questions.  

Penny, 
internet:    sorrell@triton.unm.edu